Tamarac Pee-Wees exceed goal with playoff win

Coach Joe Torok's goal all season long was for his Tamarac Pee-Wee football squad to just make the playoffs in the American Youth Football League.

The team of 7- and 8-year-olds has exceeded those expectations as it moved within one game of the Super Bowl after a 14-8 victory over the Coral Springs Chargers. The Cougars improved their record to 9-2 as the Chargers finished the season at 8-3.

The Chargers struck early in the first quarter and were successful on the PAT kick for an 8-0 lead. In the second quarter, the Cougars Conrad Hussey's 40-yard scamper set up a 4-yard touchdown run by teammate Dontae Gentles. The extra point attempt failed as the Chargers held onto an 8-6 lead.

The second half was a defensive struggle with both teams digging in. Field position played an important role and favored the Cougars. With a little more than three minutes remaining in the game, Hussey took advantage of a spread-out offense with a burst up the middle, scoring on a 40-yard run for a 14-8 lead.

At that point, the defense led by Jared Eugene and Jalen Henderson dug in and held off a desperate Chargers team that was battling the clock. Gentles, who was a force to be reckoned with the entire game, made the final stick as the final seconds ticked off to end the game.

During the postgame celebration Torok reflected back on his team's efforts.

"I am so proud on how far these kids have come, the effort they gave and how they stayed together," Torok said. "I give all the credit to my offensive and defensive coordinators and coaches who get the players charged up for every game. I'm more even keeled and disciplined so it all balances out."

Hussey, a resident of Sunrise, was pleased with his offensive line's performance.

"I just shot right through the hole, and at first, I didn't think I was going to score but it felt really good," Hussey said. "I'm going to work even harder this week for my coach."

Quarterback Vance Reuther was excited to play another game.

"We had some flaws, but we fixed it and in the second half did our job," Reuther said. "When I saw Conrad score that TD, I was so happy I had tears in my eyes."